How a 101-Year-Old Nonna Taught Me to Slow Down
Ciao, friend—and welcome back.
This week’s episode is a special one, because it follows our biggest event of the year—the Move to Italy Bootcamp. Thousands of you joined me, and let me tell you... reading your stories, your fears, your dreams—it reminded me of something I say all the time: moving to Italy isn’t just about documents and checklists. It’s about creating a life.
And if there’s one place where life in Italy truly lives, it’s the kitchen.
So in this episode, I want to explore how learning to cook—like a real Italian, with your hands, your heart, and no measuring cups—can actually help you feel more connected to Italy, whether you’re already here or just starting your journey from afar.
I’m joined by Teo, co-founder of Cook with Anana, a platform I absolutely adore. He and his partner Blake have been crisscrossing Italy, cooking with real Italian grandmothers—nonne—capturing their stories and their recipes before they disappear. We’re talking about dishes that haven’t changed in 80 years, made in tiny kitchens with no gadgets or gadgets or Instagram filters. Just tradition, heart, and maybe a little flour on your shirt.
Teo and I talk about where this idea came from, how food connects us to the past, and why even if you’ve never made pasta from scratch in your life, you can still learn to cook like a nonna.
And here’s the best part—if you’re a member of A New Life in Italy, you now get 3 free months inside Cook with Anana. Because starting a new life in Italy? It begins with the stories we carry and the food we share.
This episode is soulful, funny, and full of flavor. Let’s dig in.
Resources:
A New Life in Italy 2025 Join Now! (doors close on September 17, 2025)
Mentioned in this episode:
If you’re enjoying A New Life in Italy Podcast please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and start living their best lives. Be sure to let me know what you loved most about this episode!
Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding a bunch of bonus episodes to the feed and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Click the Blue Follow Now button at the top of the page!
If you're thinking about moving to Italy full-time, part-time, or for a lifetime, come and see me over at Smart Move Italy.
